I want semi-auto, accurate, and good for plinking.. hi capacity mags are an advantage but don't have to be. Just something fun to shoot. Right now I'm leaning towards the Savage (just because my first rifle was Savage).

warpig883
*TFF Staff*
Posts: 5139
(11/2/02 10:44:16 am)
Reply
ezSupporter
Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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Hey Stratcat67 you can get a Marlin or Browning in semiauto and have tube feed so you don't have to worry about high cap magazines at all.

Stratcat67
Member
Posts: 5
(11/2/02 3:20:00 pm)
Reply Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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hey thanks for the thought Warpig, damn, I'd put that so out of my mind that I hadn't even thought about tube fed, duh!!

I'm surprised that the Savage got almost as many votes as the Ruger.. I may go that route.

If anyone else has suggestions, I'll gladly listen.

warpig883
*TFF Staff*
Posts: 5147
(11/2/02 6:35:12 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter
Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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I got one of them Savages. They are good guns

smartypants2
Member
Posts: 5
(11/2/02 6:52:05 pm)
Reply Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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The Marlin Papoose (Model 70pss) 22 rifle in stainless is a great gun. It takes down, is very light (3.5lbs I think), very reliable, accurate (I use it with a dot sight), and inexpensive. I take it in the car so's I have a rifle wherever I go. I have brownings (which are great but too nice to really abuse 'em), anschutz (great but expensive), Ruger (too plain vanilla for me, but certainly a great 22), norinco (very good especially for the $ paid).

Any one of these guns will shoot more accurately than I can hold. If you can hold on it, you can hit it with any of 'em

Edited by: smartypants2 at: 11/2/02 6:52:38 pm

JS4
Member
Posts: 2
(11/2/02 6:59:40 pm)
Reply Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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Of the ones listed I voted for the 10/22. Mine's the deluxe sporter with a Bushnell 4X32mm scope. It's been a good rifle to me and I've kept it stock except for the scope and a sling.
When it was new it would malfunction once in a while but that ironed itself out well within 500 rounds. Both my Mk.II's were the same in that way. All of them shot fine after that short break-in period. I have a Marlin 60 too but I prefer the 10/22 because it's more carbine like and has a better feel to it. That's just my personal feeling about it. As for losing the 10/22's magazine, it's kind of big and blocky so it's harder to misplace and easier to find if you do lose track of it. Don't forget all the upgrade potential that the 10/22 has. I don't know of any other .22 rimfire that has so much after market stuff available to it.
JS

Stratcat67
Member
Posts: 11
(11/2/02 7:09:11 pm)
Reply I think
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I think I'm going to go and pick up the Savage from the local Wally world here, they have it for 98 bucks, hell you can't beat that.

then, as a project, I'm going to shop around and find a 10/22 to do all the upgrades to. Totally trick it out. This way I'll have an extra .22 rifle, you can always hand one to the kid or girlfriend..

gram22
Member
Posts: 6
(11/5/02 10:37:33 am)
Reply Went with the Ruger
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I picked the Ruger 10/22 for several reasons. First off, I know it is not the most accurate .22LR rifle out there, but I cannot think of another gun with this many customization possibilities. It's easy to shoot, reliable, capable of high capacity magazines, and cheap.

Lee
Member
Posts: 1
(12/6/02 7:26:26 pm)
Reply sticking with my ruger
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Im going to have to go with the 10-22. It may not be the most accurate out of the box, but a drop in trigger and barrel will do wonders....the great thing about it is you can do the extras on your gun yourself as you get the money

oneshot
Member
Posts: 1
(12/13/02 2:37:13 am)
Reply Czech bolt action .22LR
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I heard from several that love the Czech bolt action rifle in .22LR. I forgot the model number but it's about $150 and looks good and those that shoot them say it shoots better than the customized 10/22 they sank so much money into costomizing.

Pistols the best all around gun in my opinion is the Ruger MKII. I have a 5-1/2" Bull barrel MKII Target model that I did and action job on and I have goten a 1" group at 100 yards with it. Most groups average 1-1/2" to 2" from sand bags, good scope, and good ammo, and steady hand. I had a T/C in .22 it was a bit boring, though I never put a scope on it. A T/C in .22 Hornet would be cool since T/C claims it's capable of 1/2" groups at 100yards with factory ammo.

KDS420
Member
Posts: 2
(1/6/03 4:53:56 pm)
Reply Re: Czech bolt action .22LR
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i would go with the savage 64f for the money, very accurate and reliable. 10/22's are nice but cost way to much for about the same quality of a gun and the parts are a ripoff, your paying for the name ruger and thats it.

Soba011
Member
Posts: 2
(1/7/03 7:01:00 pm)
Reply .22 Mossberg
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I have an old .22mag mossberg my Dad bought several years ago. Man, that thing shoot like a dream. I have it sighted in at 75yrds with a scope. Its killed lots of squirels. I love that gun. I've never seen one like it though. Dad also has a semi-auto springfield 22 thats old, but its so dirty the bolt won't open. I need to work on it. But that mossberg is great, its heavy, has a long barrell, and shoots perfectly.

drmjf
Member
Posts: 1
(1/9/03 12:46:08 am)
Reply Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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I have 2 Savage bolt actions. 1. MkII heavy barrel still sorting it out, but even so it shoots 3/4" groups at 50 yds. My son's is a Mk II standard barrel he puts 1/2" groups at 25 yds. For the money mine was $180 ,my son's $100 with a scope at WalMart. Great buys
Mike in PRK.

berto64
V.I.P. Member
Posts: 307
(1/11/03 2:01:52 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter
Re: 10/22
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JC Higgins mod 36 with Tube Mag, semi-auto, Beavertail forearm is great for stability & acurracy.
Also have have a Savage mod:6DL that I haven't fired yet. Looking forward to doing some shooting when the weather clears.

berto
Endeaver to Persevere

NeVeTaS
Member
Posts: 22
(1/11/03 2:59:17 pm)
Reply Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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On a budget I'd go for the CZ (X BRNO) they offer the best value for money.

Not on a budget, Sako finfire, or a fully VQ 10/22

Mauser45
Member
Posts: 34
(1/13/03 1:22:43 am)
Reply
ezSupporter
Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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you just can't go wrong with the 10/22 Ruger. They are as accurate as most other semi-autos' and no tube feed is going to last as long as the rotary mag of the Ruger. I've seen too many problems with the tube feed mechanisms over the years. The problem is that they are made out of sheet metal stampings and not very "robust". Also, with a rifle with the tube feed under the barrel, you cannot properly bed the stock for the best accuracy. Yes, it does matter even on a .22, if you want to get the most accuracy! Any of the guns that you listed will work fine for plinking. If you have to have a semi-auto and you want to be able to improve it, Ruger is the only way to go !

warpig883
*TFF Staff*
Posts: 5901
(1/17/03 5:41:02 pm)
Reply
ezSupporter
Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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Thing about the tube feed is it holds more shells and does not get lost as easily as that itty bitty magazine. I have never heard of a problem with a tube feed functioning. That is unheard of except for damage caused by the operator, and such damage would surely also cause one of them magazines to quit working. The magazines don't even work if they get dirt, mud, and snow in them. I have never bent or damaged a tube feed in any way so it would not work. Believe me when I say I have used them rough. Coon hunting in the dark, freezing winter really beats up a .22, worse than they get beat bouncing around in the truck bed toolbox.

Now the Browning 22 auto has the coolest tube feed of em all

I guess I just prefer the capacity, dependability, and ease of use of a tube feed

But you are right when you say the 10-22 has the most options for fixing up, but if you want a semi-auto that you don't have to spend money improving then I would go for a Browning or Marlin or even the cheaper Savage. Any one of these are more accurate than 99% of shooters can shoot them, unless you are into competition shooting and even then they will surely hold their own with a 10-22.
Ignorance is a crime in 49 states. In the other one it is bliss. Edited by: warpig883 at: 1/17/03 5:48:44 pm

Bill
Member
Posts: 14
(1/24/03 5:37:05 pm)
Reply 10/22
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I blame all the writers that have been praising the virtues of the 10/22 which caused me today to buy a beautiful target, stainless model. Looks and feels fantastic. I'll provide shoot reports once I get it to the range and on a bench. Looking forward to breaking in this gun. Bill

Quote:
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"Tell the gossipers and liars I will see them in the fire" - Johnny Cash, Let the train whistle blow
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gram22
Member
Posts: 40
(1/25/03 9:10:21 am)
Reply Re: 10/22
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I just think it's hillarious to watch you guys argue over the Ruger 10/22. Half of you will say it's an excellent dependable rugged little .22 rifle, but the other half will say it's not worth the money, or it's not accurate at all. Yes, the magazine can jam up, but you can usually fix that problem by cleansing it with solvent then letting it sit to dry. I have shot both tube-fed and magazine fed .22 rifles. They both function excellent, it just depends on what you prefer.

Quote:
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I just think it's hillarious to watch you guys argue over the Ruger 10/22
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Isn't it great!

Edited by: ruffitt at: 1/27/03 2:47:41 am

warpig883
*TFF Staff*
Posts: 6004
(1/25/03 9:47:36 am)
Reply
ezSupporter
Re: 10/22
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To each his own. They are all good guns and a person should pick what they like the most.

Turkey Creek
Member
Posts: 2
(2/2/03 6:18:56 pm)
Reply Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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I have a CZ Lux and I couldn't ask for more in a 22LR- accurate right out of the box- easy to customize the trigger- likes any decent ammo ie Lapua, Wolf, Eley, Federal- can use it for 22 silhouette or hunter sportster benchrest- you can spend more but I don't know that you can get more for the dollar

z537z
Member
Posts: 9
(2/8/03 1:05:07 pm)
Reply Re: 10/22
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I own a Remington 597: Picked it up from a guy for 100$.

It's actually very accurate (I've got an old Bushnell 3x9x32 Sharpshooter on it) at even 75 yds (you can get it within an inch, benchrested) plus.

Unfortunately, it has tendency to jam. This is because of a poor clip design.

I reccomend staying away from this gun unless you want a good cheap plinker: It's actually very good for what it was designed. And surprisingly accurate. A little bright paint livens up the 3 dots, if you don't want to put down 40 on a scope.

I've shot a 10/22 a lot too. Very nice gun, never jams, and they are definitely customizable.

_z

stuporman
Member
Posts: 2
(2/12/03 12:45:11 am)
Reply Excellent Choice!!!
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You appear to be on the right track.

Get a gunsmith to work it over, (someone who personally owns at least one 10/22)

Spend about $100 in labor on it and it will feed alot better and shoot alot straighter.

Good luck!

rixchic
Member
Posts: 1
(2/26/03 1:10:35 pm)
Reply Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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My husband just bought me a Marlin Papoose. Unfortunately its snowing and raining today so I must wait until tomorrow to see how she fires. But, the size and weight of this fine piece is fantastic. I'm a small woman
( under 5') and all of our other weapons are very heavy and feel too bulky. I'm gonna love this one; just my size!!! Just had to tell somebody about the new lil "Papoose". I'll let ya know what happens after I get to shoot a few rounds thru her.

paulbrown137
Member
Posts: 4
(2/27/03 2:41:55 pm)
Reply Re: Which .22 caliber rifle?
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i have a marlin papoose as well and i love it. i have put a couple bricks of ammo through it 1000+ rounds and had maybe 4 jams. it is really slick quiet and super accurate. i put a cheapo tasco red dot and i couldn't have more fun with a plinker. everything is stainless and easy to clean. plus, the barrel is easily detached and the whole gun fits in a nice soft case (about 25''x6''x1''). this is the most portable 22 rifle you can get with detachable mags ive seen. get some spinning targets, balloons, or good old cans and you can shoot all day.

striker308
Member
Posts: 1
(3/1/03 5:32:35 pm)
Reply Favorite 22
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I have an old Winchester moldel 75 that is more accurate than I can ever hold it. Sure its heavy, as a high power rifle, but the bag full of squirrels you carry out of the woods will make it all worth it. I am not a fan of autoloaders. Mainly because of their terrible triggers. You can trick them up, but why spend that kind of money on a short, carbine sized rifle.

mckheean
V.I.P. Member
Posts: 161
(3/6/03 10:25:07 am)
Reply Remington Model 541-S
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I will have to go with the Remington Model 541-S.I purchased one two months ago and put a Bushnell 4x12 scope on it and went to the range,after getting it sited in I shot a 1/4" 5 shot group dead center at 50 yards,have the target on my desk to prove it.A bolt action to me is a lot more accurate than a semi-auto. Benny in NC

Stratcat - I suggest you hit the range with some friends and try a few. I have a lot of different .22 rifles and like them all for different reasons.

The Ruger 10/22 is the best all around for play and plinking. I just bought my kids a new 22" stainless version. We went to the range today and with open sights put 100 rounds in a 2" circle shooting rapid fire. These things are the bomb and a lot of fun. Plus, like an old chevy, there are hundreds of cheap add-on parts you can get for them. We do a lot of trigger upgrades and stuff like that.

I have several Marlin 880SQ. This is a bull barrel, bolt action with a 10-round magazine. I've added a tripod and 6-22x zoom scopes to each. When I want to just think things out, I take this to the range and put a few clay pigeons out at 125 yards. Then I shoot each one dead center splitting it into 4 pieces, then I shoot each quarter into eigths, each eighth into sixteenths and so on until there isn't anything bigger than a nickel out there. The concentration and focus relaxes me and helps clear my head.

I started my kids on a Savage Mark II bolt action. We found it on sale somewhere for less than $80. We keep it open sighted and use it in the indoor range when it is too cold to shoot outside. My kids can wear out the center of any type of target at 50 yards. We make varmit targets too and they really enjoy that.

Again, it really boils down to what you want to do with it. Try a bunch and then pick up the one you have the most fun with.

marlin is the least expensive, the most accurate out of the box, though savage owners may disagree, has the most models , has the best customer service, you can find old glenfield .marlin tube fed, at gun shows, that hold 17 plus 1 rounds, they are super trouble free, they have great variations in their wood, they have synthetic stocks, the new marlins have that "Walnut dip" crap. the old nra logo ones had great wood on them. your problem here is that Marlin has virtually no after market stuff. At any gun show you cna pick one up for 80 to 100 dollars here in Houston, with only super perfect excellent wood ones going for , say 120. the only thing i would choose over this is say an old remington or Win or springfiled or Whatever brand that could do s, l, or lr. all in semi auto , but you will pay at least 175. for such a gun.

Having just got back from the range with my son, I have to say I still prefer the Marlin 880SQ, even over the Ruger. My son prefers the 10/22, but hates loading the mags. In my opinion, the Marlin 880SQ is a lot more accurate than the Ruger and the group sizes at 40 yards prove it. Even though it's a bolt action it is a lot of fun to shoot fast as well as slow.

I've just ordered a match trigger for the Ruger, so we'll see how that compares once I get that installed.

I started out with a Glenfield. It has as 18 rd. tube mag. My dad has had it for many years and it works great unless it's dirty. I recently bought a Ruger 10/22 black Carbine model. It shot good right out of the box. The first thing I did to it was to put a 3-9x40 scope on it. I went to sight it in earlier this week and about 60 rds. into the session, I was getting less than 3/4" 5-shot groups at 50 yards. There are many aftermarket parts for the 10/22 and they are very easy to work on. I have other Ruger guns and I know that they are durable and reliable. My vote is for the 10/22 in any of the several incarnations of this fun little rifle.

i have a 10/22, a marlin 25n mag fed bolt action, and an old pre 68 h&r single shot bolt action. if i could only keep one it would be the h&r. it works, it's accurate, and the kids can safely use it. besides, one shot at a time make the younger ones learn how to shoot more effectively. this is the type of rifle i learned on in the scouts some 40 years ago and hence am not an advocate of the "spray and pray" method of target aquisition.

Couldn't agree more flopshot. The problem with kids and guns is like kids and transportation. When they walk, they're happy until they see kids on bicycles. From that point on, getting a bike is their only goal in life. When they have experienced the bike, they'd never go back to walking, but shortly after, they can't wait for the time when they can get a car. Once they get a car, they never go back to the bike.

I've found the same thing when training kids to shoot. The first time they shoot a single shot .22 is the best day of their lives.... unitl they see someone with a mag fed bolt action or semi. Once they get the taste of being able to shoot more ammo faster, they won't go back to the single - at least not until they get older like us

My kids started off single shot .22. Once they mastered that, I moved them up to a Savage Mark II, then the Marlin 880 SQ and now the Ruger 10/22. So far, the skills they learned with the single shot .22 have carried them through. Even with the 10/22, at least my oldest boy still focuses on accuracy over spraying the target with lead.

Next, I'll move them up to a bigger .22 like a .223 or 22-250 and we'll start the same cycle over again.

I have marlin model 60 which has tube mag that has capacity of 14
and a nice 22 that I like better that my ruger 10/22.I also have laminated
stainless ruger which is nice .Rugers have more after market goodies than
the marlin.

Define "new". Are you looking for factory replacements or something like the new Hi-Viz sites? If factory replacement, you can probably get them from Brownells or direct from Savage. Heck, I might even sell you a set if my wife will let me put a scope on her Mark II but that might be a challenge since she loves shooting open sights.

get any of the ohter rifles you want, including a thompson center, or a cz. the last two will be the most money, the most accurate, and the most beautiful.
Then go to a gunstore or a pawnshop or a gunshow. Find your self a nice marlin mod 60 for 50 to 80 bucks. Clean her up, fill the tube with 14 rounds, and let her rip. It will be the most accurate, if the cz or t/c doesn't beat it out, but the thing is, it will be a minus 100 dollar gun , you can keep as a beater, and it will be accurate. Otherwise, get a bolt action marlin tube fed, any of the 81 series. the new 981's are 150 dollars, and will hold 25 shorts in the tube at one time! so fine.

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